Wonders in India

Shravanabelagola or Gomateshwara
In the Hassan district of Karnataka lies Shravanabelagola the only Jain pilgrimage sites. Referred as one of the important holy destinations for Jains in India, the city holds the attractions of famous Gomteshwara statue at a distance of 50 kms from Hassan and 157 kms from Bangalore. There are various tours that covers Shravanabelagola the architectural and sculptural pinnacle that flourished under the patronage of Gangas of Talakad. The term 'Shravanabelagola' in literal sense means 'the land of pond' as the town is having some of the grand ponds right amidst the city-center. Shravanabelagola is also an important tourist destination in Karnataka.


The major tourist attraction in Shravanabelagola is undoubtedly the famous Gomteshwara statue. Having a height of around 17 mts, this statue of Lord Bahubali is the tallest monolithic statue in the world. The image was installed by Chavundaraya in 988 AD, who was the minister of Ganga King Rachamalla Sathyavakya. Located at the top of Indragiri hill, it is surrounded by many sacred Jain temples. A very famous festival is also associated with this town. The best time to visit this pilgrim centre in Karnataka is during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, that is held once in 12 years. The festival was recently concluded in the year 2006 and is scheduled next in 2018. The main highlights of this festival are the various rituals and rites performed. Enjoy seeing the great statue bathed in milk, sugarcane juice and saffron paste. Devotees offer flower petals, sandalwood powder and turmeric powder. However, the best part of the festival is the end when millions and trillions of flower petals are thrown from a helicopter on the statue.
Besides the mammoth statue, there are many Jain temples as well in Shravanabelagola that are worth seeing.



Golden temple

Golden Temple in Amritsar is a place frequented by Sikhs all round the year. Countless pilgrims visit Golden Temple to pay homage to the holy shrine. Golden Temple is also known as Hari Mandir meaning Temple of God. The Temple has a tank (Sarovar) that is believed to possess healing powers. Sikh Gurus founded new centers for the promotion of Sikhism and these centers became popular as Sikh pilgrimage sites.

The construction of Golden Temple at a lower level was a break away from the Hindu tradition of constructing a temple at a higher level. It was done to make the visitors go down the steps in order to pay homage to the holy shrine. Other Hindu Temples have only one entry gate. The Golden Temple is open from all four sides symbolic of offering entry to all.

Interriors of Golden Temple
As Amritsar faced disturbances a lot of times, Golden Temple also became the target of loot and plunder thrice by the Afghan invaders. Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated Rupees Five Lakhs for placing for rebuilding Golden Temple and placing of gold plates on the outside walls. Mohammad Yar Khan Mistri was appointed as a technical expert for the task of gold plating. The architecture of the Golden Temple is really remarkable achievement of Sikh architecture. The skill of the craftsmen is evident from the nakkashi (intricate carvings) and frescoes inside the temple.

Taj Mahal, built in the memory of the queen Mumtaz Mahal Taj Mahal (also "the Taj"), the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, * Archeological Survey of India description was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian,and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." It is an integrated symmetric complex of structures that was completed around 1648. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer of the Taj Mahal.
The focus of the Taj Mahal is the white marble tomb, which stands on a square plinthconsisting of a symmetrical building with an iwan, an arch-shaped doorway, topped by a large dome. Like most Mughal tombs, basic elements are Persian in origin. The base structure is a large, multi-chambered structure. The base is essentially a cube with chamfered edges and is roughly 55 meters on each side (see floor plan, right). On the long sides, a massivepishtaq, or vaulted archway, frames the iwan with a similar arch-shaped balcony. On either side of the main arch, additional pishtaqs are stacked above and below. This motif of stacked pishtaqs is replicated on chamfered corner areas as well. The design is completely symmetrical on all sides of the building. Four minarets, one at each corner of the plinth, facing the chamfered corners, frame the tomb. The main chamber houses the false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan; their actual graves are at a lower level. The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest to be found in Mughal architecture. The calligraphy found are of florid thuluth script, created by Persian calligrapher Amanat Khan.
Masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and also from Central Asia and Iran to build the monument. While bricks for internal constructions were locally prepared, white marble for external use in veneering work was obtained from Makrana in Rajasthan. Semi-precious stones for inlay ornamentation were brought from distant regions of India, Ceylon (SriLanka) and Afghanistan. Red sandstone of different tints was requisitioned from the neighbouring quarries of Sikri, Dholpur. It took 17 years for the Taj to be built.


Hampi The 14th century ruins nestle within them with almost every highlight of classical Indian architecture. Palaces, temples, marketplaces, watch towers, stables, baths and monoliths lie scattered amidst huge boulders, which complement the rugged look and historic feel of the place.
Ruins of Hampi - UNESCO World Heritage Site. presents the Vijayanagara architecture, a vibrant combination of theChalukya, Hoysala, Pandya Chola styles, idioms that prospered in previous centuries. Hampi was the last capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, which was admired by the travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries. But it was pillaged and abandoned by the Muslim confederacy which conquered the Decann in 1565 C.E. Palaces, temples, marketplaces, watch towers, stables, baths and monoliths lie scattered amidst huge boulders, which complement the rugged look and historic feel of the place.
Its legacy of sculpture, architecture and painting influenced the development of the arts long after the empire came to an end. Its stylistic hallmark is the ornate pillared Kalyanamantapa (marriage hall), Vasanthamantapa (open pillared halls) and the Rajagopura (tower). While the empire's monuments are spread over the whole of Southern India, nothing surpasses the vast open air theatre of monuments at its capital at Vijayanagara





Konark Sun temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), was built in black granite by King Narasimhadeva I (1236 C.E-1264 C.E) of theEastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is a UNESCO-World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th century, the temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with 24 wheels (3.3 m dia diameter each) drawn by seven horses and, carrying the Sun god, Surya, across the heavens.It is a stunning monument of religious (Brahmanical) architecture. The Sun temple belongs to the Kalinga School of Indian Temples with characteristic curvilinear towers mounted by cupolas and is aligned in the east-west direction as it is dedicated to Sun, which sun lits the entrance. The temple plan depicts three segments, viz., Natmandir (the outer complex), Jagmohan (the central complex) and Garbhagriha (the main complex housing the Deity). The main sanctum which (69.8 m. high) was constructed along with the audience hall (39.5 m. high) having elaborate external projections. The main sanctum which enshrined the presiding deity has fallen off. The Audience Hall survives in its entirely, but only small portions of the Dancing Hall (nata Mandir) and the Dining Hall (Bhoga-Mandap) have survived the vagaries of time. The Temple compound measures The Temple compound measures 857 ft (261 m) by 540 ft (160 m).
The entrance to the temple is guarded by two lions, each shown crushing a war elephant. Each elephant in turn is shown on top of a human body. At the entrance, there is also a Nata Mandir or dance hall where the temple dancers used to perform dances in homage to the Sun god. All around the temple, there are various floral and geometric patterns. There are also human, divine and semi-divine figures in sensuous poses. The poses contains couples in various amorous postures, and are derived from the Kama Sutra.

Nalanda The Nalanda, located in the Indian State of Bihar, was a Buddhist center of learning from 427 C.E to 1197 C.E partly under the Pala Empire. It has been called "one of the first great universities in recorded history.. According to historical studies the University of Nalanda was established 450 C.E under the patronage of the Gupta emperors, notably Kumaragupta.. Nalanda, considered as the world's first residential university, had dormitories for students and had accommodated over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The university was considered an architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a lofty wall and one gate. Nalanda had eight separate compounds and ten temples, along with many other meditation halls and classrooms. On the grounds were lakes and parks. The library was located in a nine storied building where meticulous copies of texts were produced. The subjects taught at Nalanda University covered every field of learning, and it attracted pupils and scholars from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey. The Tang Dynasty Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang left detailed accounts of the university in the 7th century.



Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval (between 950 C.E and 1050 C.E) temples of Hindu and Jain religion. There is perfect fusion of architecture and sculpture at this temple complex, famous for their erotic sculpture. The temples are a UNESCO world Heritage Site. At the Temple of Kandariya, there is a profusion of decorated sculptures considered as one of the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. Built by Chandela dynasty, the temples exhibit stunningly explicit sexual sculptures which were created by the artist's imagination of lovemaking positions prevalent at that time, or based on the rules outlined in the Kamasutra. Many of the sculptors have claimed artistic ownership on many sculptures. Built of sandstone in varying shades of buff, pink or pale yellow, most of the temples belong to the Shiva, Vaishnava or Jaina religious Sects, which are difficult to differentiate from one another. The temples, sited in an East-West direction, depicts a plan with spacious layout with interior rooms inter connected. An entrance, a hall, a vestibule and a sanctum are part the common layout plan of the temples. It is stated that the Khajuraho temples are a celebration of womankind, her innumerable moods and facets which are witnessed by the carvings of a woman writing letter, applying makeup to her eyes, combing her tresses, dancing, and playing with her child. Also etched, sculpted with consummate skill are innocent, coquettish, smiling, seductive, passionate and beautiful and erotic sculptures depicted in intricate detail. It is also opined that the Chandelas followed the Tantric cult with the faith that gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining Nirvana, the infinite liberation,


Cool Places



Manali Nestled in the lower Himalayas situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, lies Manali an ancient town surrounded by snow capped peaks and close in proximity to the snowline. It has a flourishing orchard industry and is a popular destination for adventure sport enthusiasts, campers, trekkers as well as honeymooners.

About 550 km from Delhi, the capital of India, Manali offers visitors some amazing natural sites like hot water springs , waterfalls and the river Beas that runs right through. Apart from those there are beautiful temples scattered across the place and the city center has a monastery as well as some good shopping and eateries to enjoy.



Ooty Sometimes known as the Queen of the hill stations, Ooty or Udhagamandalam is situated in the Nilgiri mountain range meaning "Blue Mountains". Ooty stands at 7,347 feet above sea level in the state of Tamil Nadu and keeps at a pleasant temperature of 15-20 degrees C around the year dropping to 0 degrees C in the winters.

The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees that lend out a minty fresh smell to the air around. It's picturesque views and pleasant weather make Ooty a great Summer Retreat. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the part of the charm of reaching the place as the steam train takes a very scenic route through many hair-raising curves, fearful tunnels and chugs alongside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens.


Nainital Known as Lake Paradise Nainital is one of the most charismatic hill stations that India harbors. Once called City of 60 lakes or 'Chakta', there are only a few lakes remaining today. The main lake Naini on the banks of which lie the main town is surrounded on three sides by beautiful mountains of the Kumaon foothills a part of the Himalayas. There are several other lakes around Nainital, which are equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini Lake itself.

Renowned for its lake, bird's-eye views, and prestigious educational institutions, Nainital makes for a great summer retreat. There are hiking tracks up the scenic mountains provide a spectacular view of the lake below. Yachting, boating and paddling make for enticing activities during the day.



Munnar In the Kerala the state referred to as 'God's Own Country', is the popular Summer retreat Munnar. At 1600 m above sea level the British while ruling India made it their summer resort of the South. A breathtakingly beautiful haven, Munnar is a land of sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes with sweet aroma of spice scenting the cool air.

Munnar pronounced "Moon-aar" means "Three rivers" in Tamil and Malayalam. The three rivers - Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru flow through this town and join some distance away from Munnar. National Parks, wildlife sanctuary's, lakes and waterfalls are all part of the reasons why it makes for a great vacation destination, especially to beat the heat.



Gulmarg A valley retreat, Gulmarg is essentially a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area and at altitude of 2,730 meters, 56-km south west of Srinagar in Jammu-Kashmir. The name Gulmarg literally means "meadow of flowers" and best describes the place in the sprint with it's rolling meadow filled with countless colorful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Nots and Buttercups.

What makes the Valley even more picturesque and spectacular is the spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance enveloping it. It's a popular day trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg and it's popular for trekking. The maize and rice fields only add to the natural landscape of this cool retreat.